Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake
Looking for a dessert that’s both elegant and packed with flavor? This Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake brings you the earthy richness of ceremonial-grade matcha paired with fluffy sponge and silky whipped cream frosting. Light, not too sweet, and stunningly green it’s perfect for celebrations or everyday matcha moments.
Why You’ll Love This Matcha Cake
Balanced Flavors: Subtle bitterness from the matcha is beautifully mellowed by creamy layers.
Showstopping Look: That vibrant green crumb will steal the spotlight.
Light and Fluffy Texture: Soft sponge and whipped cream make it feel cloud-like.
Not Too Sweet: Just the right hint of sugar to let the matcha shine.
Great for Gifting or Gathering: Looks bakery-perfect, but it’s homemade!
Ingredients in Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake
For the Cake:
- Cake flour
- Matcha green tea powder (high-quality, sifted)
- Baking powder
- Eggs (room temp)
- Granulated sugar
- Milk
- Neutral oil (canola, sunflower, or grapeseed)
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- Heavy whipping cream (chilled)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract (or almond for variation)
(Optional: Add a little mascarpone to the whipped cream for extra richness.)

Instructions
Step 1: Make the Matcha Sponge
- Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, matcha, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until thick, pale, and doubled in volume.
- Whisk milk, oil, and vanilla together and slowly add to the egg mixture.
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.
- Divide batter evenly between pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool completely on wire racks.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
- In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Be careful not to overbeat you want it smooth and spreadable.
Step 3: Assemble
- Trim the tops of your cake layers if domed.
- Spread a thick layer of whipped cream between the cakes.
- Frost the outside and top with more cream.
- Optional: Dust the top with extra matcha or decorate with fresh berries or white chocolate curls.
- Chill slightly before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10–12
Calories per slice: ~280–330
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Assembly: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
How to Serve Matcha Layer Cake
- Best chilled or lightly cool
- With green tea, jasmine tea, or iced matcha latte
- Garnished with sliced strawberries or raspberries
- Dust matcha on top just before serving for bold color
- Slice with a hot knife for clean layers
Additional Tips
- Use fresh matcha old powder loses its vibrant color and flavor
- Avoid overmixing once flour is added to keep the cake light
- Chill your bowl and whisk before whipping cream
- Make it a triple layer for an extra wow factor
- Add texture with chopped nuts or white chocolate between layers
FAQ’s
1. What kind of matcha should I use?
Use high-quality culinary or ceremonial-grade matcha for best color and taste.
2. Can I make this cake ahead?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Assemble the day you plan to serve for freshness.
3. Is this cake too bitter for kids?
Not at all! The sweetness of the cream balances the earthy matcha.
4. Can I frost this with buttercream instead?
Absolutely. Try white chocolate or vanilla buttercream if you want a firmer texture.
5. Can I use all-purpose flour?
Yes, but cake flour gives a finer crumb. If using AP flour, remove 1 tbsp per cup and replace with cornstarch.
6. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix.
7. Can I color the cream green too?
Yes, whisk in a little matcha to the whipped cream for a green finish.
8. What makes the cake so fluffy?
Whipped eggs and cake flour give it that soft, airy texture.
9. Can I reduce the sugar?
Slightly just remember that less sugar may affect moisture and structure.
10. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before eating.
Conclusion
This Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake is a dreamy balance of elegance and comfort. Light, moist, and visually striking, it brings a refreshing twist to traditional layer cakes. Perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or any day you’re craving something beautifully green and gently sweet this cake delivers flavor, texture, and charm in every bite.
Print
Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Matcha Green Tea Layer Cake is a stunning dessert that combines earthy, aromatic matcha powder with fluffy cake layers and smooth whipped cream or buttercream frosting. This elegant cake is mildly sweet with a delicate bitterness from the matcha, perfect for tea lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
- For the frosting: 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream or buttercream base
- 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar (if using whipped cream)
- Optional: Extra matcha powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix the milk and sour cream together in a separate cup.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the milk mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whip the cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, or prepare your frosting of choice.
- Layer the cakes with frosting between each layer and on top. Optionally, dust with matcha powder before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality culinary grade matcha for the best flavor and color.
- The cake pairs beautifully with a light whipped cream frosting to let the matcha shine.
- For a stronger green tea flavor, add an extra 1/2 tablespoon of matcha.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving for clean slices and firm frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: matcha cake, green tea layer cake, matcha dessert, Japanese cake, matcha whipped cream cake